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Pool Talk - Dive into the Facts

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1. When did the closure begin and how long will it take?

The pool closed on March 26, 2018 and opening is estimated for early 2020.  

The Maple Ridge Leisure Centre will remain open and customers can access the fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, gymnasium and programming throughout the pool closure.

2. Why has the opening been delayed?

Through ongoing work on the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre Aquatic Upgrade project, significant issues were discovered with a structural support column located in the original part of the facility that was constructed 40 years ago.

Upon discovery of the structural issue, the construction contractor notified City staff and an independent structural engineering company was brought in to examine all similar support columns. After doing a detailed assessment, the engineering firm recommended replacing all, or part, of 11 support columns in the facility. City staff moved immediately to undertake the column repairs and replacement. The addition of this work has extended the Leisure Centre Aquatic Upgrade completion timeline to early 2020.

3. What upgrades are being done?

In 2013, staff retained the services of an architectural company with experience in pool construction and design. The architectural review resulted in the following recommended upgrades which still remain a priority:

Pool Tank Accessibility – Currently, the toddler pool, leisure pool, swirl pool and lap pools do not have wheel chair access and limit accessibility for some of our customers. The renovation will improve accessibility allowing opportunities for all leisure centre users to swim and recreate.

Lobby and Change Room Upgrades – Priority upgrades to the lobby and change room will create a more inviting and welcoming environment for Leisure Centre customers and will provide an expanded change room area for families as well as improving accessibility in a gender neutral environment.

Replacement of Aging Pool Systems Equipment (filtration, chlorination, electrical and mechanical) -

• Chlorine gas is used to maintain the cleanliness of the pool in conjunction with the filtration systems which are outdated and much less inefficient than other filters that are now available for aquatic complexes. This will be addressed by building an expanded mechanical room, replacing the outdated water filtration system and converting to a combined liquid chlorine (which is much safer to handle) and a U.V. system, to ensure the highest water quality possible.

4. Why do these upgrades need to be done?

The Maple Ridge Leisure Center (MRLC) opened in 1981 and has served us well for almost 40 years. However, to continue serving our citizens well into the future, upgrades are needed. The project is driven by the need to update the mechanical and filtration systems. Filtration and pump systems date back to the original construction of the facility and are now obsolete, expensive to maintain and have presented reliability concerns. These upgrades will not only improve the mechanical systems but increase overall accessibility and customer enjoyment.

5. How will the facility be more accessible?

One of the main focuses for the MRLC renovation has been to increase accessibility.

• Accessible beach entry to the leisure pool
• Open space in lobby will allow for easier movement for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
• All one level (no stairs in lobby or on pool deck) 
• Accessible beach entry to hot pool
• 3 accessible change stalls with ceiling lifts (2 adult & 1 child hydraulic beds)
• Accessible change stalls to include shower and some with sink and toilet
• Vortex/lazy river (ideal for physical therapy)

6. Where can I go to swim during the closure?

Hammond Outdoor Pool opened for the season on April 28, 2019 and offers swim lessons, lane swimming, leisure swimming and water fitness classes. Admission is free again this season. 

For Indoor swimming, numerous aquatics facilities are located within a 30 minute drive from Maple Ridge including Walnut Grove Community Centre, Mission Leisure Centre, Hyde Creek (Port Coquitlam) and Guilford Recreation Centre, Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex or Grandview Heights Recreation Centre in Surrey.

7. What is the plan for the new aquatics change space?

The new changing space will have additional change rooms, increased accessibility and a modernized space that will improve flow and changing experiences.

The new change space will have:

• 15 single change rooms with bench and shower
• 2 single change rooms with bench
• 5 large change rooms with sink, shower, bench, and toilet
• 3 large change rooms with accessible bench, ceiling lifts, sink, and toilet

8. How has the aquatics change space been modernized?

Modernizing the space was another important factor in this renovation. There will be a new “grooming station” with mirrors and counter space that will accommodate multiple users.

There will also be new lockers introduced that are made of a rust-resistant plastic that is highly break-resistant—their new location in the centre of an open space will increase visibility and increase safety and sight lines.

9. Will privacy and safety be improved in the new aquatics change space?

There will be no “nude zones” in the new change rooms—the old men’s and women’s change rooms previously had open areas which allowed for individuals to change in the open, but this will no longer be the case. In other words, clothing will be required in all open areas.

With the increased number of stalls and increased amenities within the stalls, pool users will be able to access their own, private space to change. 

10. Why didn’t the City build a new pool first?

Council originally explored the option of building a new wellness centre (including a new aquatic facility) prior to moving forward with the upgrades at the MRLC. However, the condition of the MRLC requires that upgrades to the current aquatic facility be a priority.

11. What will happen to my membership with the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre?

Customers with memberships will be able to place their passes on hold during the pool closure, or can withdraw their membership and receive a refund. Current memberships are reduced by 10% due to the construction inconvenience.

12. Will the registered programs, arts programs, adult programs, etc continue to run?

All registered programs should continue to run as described. Any cancellations or changes to registered programs will be sent out with as much notice as possible.

13. Will the retrofit affect Memorial Peace Park?

There will be some minor sidewalk renovations on the South side of the park, however they are unlikely to have any significant impact on the use of the park, or for traffic movement on the ring road.

14. What temperature will the Leisure Pool be?

Before the renovation, the leisure pool was maintained between 86-88 F. While the exact temperature settings will be confirmed in the latter stages of the project, the new pool systems will allow us to have greater control.

15. Will the new pool use chlorine?

The new mechanical system will use a two step chlorination system starting with liquid chlorine and then ultraviolet. This new system will decrease the amount of chlorine needed overall.

16. Will the facility be opened in time for the 2020 BC Summer Games?

Yes, the facility’s opening date is estimated for early 2020. 

17. Will the diving board and rope swing return?

The rope swing will be returning and we will also be re-opening the waterfall feature, adding new spray features, a lazy river and more! Unfortunately, the diving board in the competition pool has reached its end of life; the competition pool and teach pool are not included in the scope of this renovation and the Leisure Pool does not have the required depth to install a new diving board. 

We are looking into some exciting features to replace the old board and are certainly looking forward to discussing programming and play equipment ideas with the community leading up to re-opening. 

18. Who do I contact if I need help figuring out an accommodation plan that works for me?

Please contact pooltalk@mapleridge.ca with some information about your needs and we will get back to you with more information. 

19. What is the plan for the new aquatics change space?

The new changing space will have additional change rooms, increased accessibility and a modernized space that will improve flow and changing experiences.

The new change space will have:

• 15 single change rooms with bench and shower
• 2 single change rooms with bench
• 5 large change rooms with sink, shower, bench, and toilet
• 3 large change rooms with accessible bench, ceiling lifts, sink, and toilet

20. What areas of the MRLC remain open?

The fitness centre, gymnasium, sport courts and group fitness room are scheduled to remain open throughout the pool closure. Any known closures, for non-aquatic maintenance projects, will be announced with as much notice as possible.